A Summer Guide For Vegans

A Summer Guide for Vegans

Two things I’m looking forward come summertime: my annual summer vacation (two weeks baby!) and my birthday month (July). While I don’t have any grand plans in the grand scheme of things, I am excited to spend my staycation with loved ones, going around the island playing tourist, and treating myself to some legit spa experience for my birthday. And while we’re at it, I would like to share with you some helpful tips to make this summer your best yet whether you’re vegan, newbie, transitioning, or just plain curious (read my vegan journey).

Eat, taste, drink the rainbow.Summertime means fresh fruits and vegetables. The more colorful, the more variety, the better. I love freshly sliced mangoes, pineapples, watermelon. I love strawberry banana smoothie. I love arugula with quinoa salad. I love grilled eggplant, red and green bell peppers. I simply eat anything! No fresh produce near you? buy frozen fruits and make your own fancy drink.

Try this very easy ice “cream”: 2 frozen ripe bananas, 3-4 strawberries. Ultra-blend until you have “creamy” consistency. Feeling fancier than this? follow #veganfood or #vegandessert on Instagram to find thousands of inspirations. Read a beginner’s guide on how to shop vegan groceries.

Veganize your makeup and skincare stash. Keep everything lightweight as much as possible and out of all the beauty products you need to wear religiously summertime or not, it’s sunscreen. All the more during summer because the hot weather brings out the worse in your skin. If you’re prone to acne, sun exacerbates it by triggering inflammatory response. If you’re prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun contributes to darkening. If you are suffering from melasma, sun exposure worsens it (read why use sunscreen)

Try Coola Rosilliance BB Cream SPF 30, it’s a tinted moisturizer and physical sunscreen in one. Rule of thumb, to be adequately protected, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours or each time you get wet or sweaty if you’re staying out longer than usual.

Veganize your wardrobe.Cotton, rayon, polyester, rayon, bamboo, tencel are some of the most common types of clothing that are vegan-friendly. Coated canvas, polyurethane, microfiber are some of the most common materials used for footwear. Introduce a trend if need be just like straw bag. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection. And if you want your water-drinking self look hip, carry a nice bottle and chug water like a rockstar.

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Plan, be prepared, but most of all, have fun.This last tip sounds basic but if you’re a new vegan and you’re traveling somewhere, it doesn’t hurt to get your gears ready in case you find yourself in unfamiliar situations. Download Happy Cow if you haven’t yet. It’s an app that tells you if there are nearby vegan or vegetarian restaurants or shops (read tips on dining out as vegan). Bring your favorite vegan snack or food to eliminate any potential stress of not finding one. Ask for recommendations from vegan groups in Facebook, that will save you from all the headaches. And please, in case you find yourself in the company of non-vegan friends or family, just chill and enjoy the company. You’d be surprised with the amount of accommodation you may get. The way I handle it is like this: if you’re my true friend or if you value me, respect my choices. I will not let you ruin my vacation. I am in control of my personal situation. My feelings. My food. My life.